Image source, Donald MacLeod

Doors Open Days sees free access to museums, exhibitions and events during September.

This year is its 30th year of running.

It is part of European Heritage Days and Scottish Archaeology Month.

Read more here., external

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson has led a debate to mark the 30th year of Doors Open Days.

He saidthe purpose of Doors Open Days is to increase accessibility to Scotland's built heritage throughout September.

It is one of many European countries which takes part he adds.

Image source, bbc

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the motion rightly congratulates those behind the Doors Open Days events, specifically the Scottish Civic Trust, external.

Ms Hyslop praised its contribution to European Heritage Days, external.

Tory MSP Jamie Greene says the transport minister should take responsibility for ensuring co-operation between rail companies, police and local authorities for managing events.

"Of course we take some responsibility but it is a fact that Network Rail reports to UK ministers, not Scottish ones," replies Ms Sturgeon.

Ms Sturgeon says the overall reliability of ScotRail’s services has improved this year.

The first minister accepts that inconvenience to passengers during the Edinburgh Festival was unacceptable.

Mr Smyth says the franchise has been breached by ScotRail three times on the first minister’s watch.

He calls for the Scottish government to end Abellio’s franchise at the earliest opportunity.

The first minister pledges to continue to work with ScotRail to bring about improvements and says the decision on the franchise will be taken in an orderly manner.

SNP MSP Richard Lyle raises the responsibilities of Network Rail and calls for them to be held to account.

The first minister points out that Network Rail reports to the UK government at present and calls for that power to be devolved.

Labour MSP Colin Smyth asks about recent disruption to ScotRail services.

Image source, Louise Kerr

ScotRail has admitted it "didn't do well enough" after major disruption to Edinburgh services on the final weekend of the Edinburgh festivals.

Commuters claimed trains from Waverley and Haymarket were dangerously overcrowded while other services were cancelled.

ScotRail operations director David Simpson apologised and said a trespasser on the line and a train failure were partly to blame.

But he admitted the firm needed to improve communication with customers.

Read more.

SNP MSP John Mason says one of the relevant football matches is taking place in his own constituency and seeks assurance that there will be no disruption for his constituents.

Ms Sturgeon says she supports Police Scotland in its efforts to manage this and urges the public to conduct themselves appropriately.

Labour MSP James Kelly asks what is being done to work with parties across parliament and groups across Scotland to tackle bigotry and intolerance.

The first minister welcomes the member's offer to work with the government on this and praises the work of community groups.

The first minister praises Police Scotland for the swift and effective way they dealt with the disorder.

Ms Sturgeon says sectarian violence and disruption will never be tolerated.

Ms Wells asks how an SNP council leader like Susan Aitken could think it was a good idea to let a republican march go through Glasgow on the weekend of an Old Firm game.

The first minister says it is a bad idea to try to turn an issue as serious as this into a party political bun fight.

Ms Sturgeon details government action to tackle sectarianism and again says Ms Wells has dealt with this issue disgracefully.

Tory MSP Annie Wells asks about action in response to the sectarian disorder in Glasgow at the weekend.

Council bosses have vowed to "push the law" in order to protect the public following sectarian disorder in Glasgow on Friday night.

Riot police, a helicopter, and dog units were called inwhen an Irish Unity march was met by loyalist counter-demonstrators in Govan.

Council leader Susan Aitken said legislation may have to be tested to strengthen the authority's hand.

Read more.

Ms Sturgeon welcomes Police Scotland's new campaign to tackle sexual violence and points to programmes through schools, universities and colleges to combat it.

Mr McMillan says informed discussions about sex and consent must take place in school settings.

The first minister agrees, saying every child in Scotland must develop mutually-respectful relationships with other children and adults.

National guidance for schools will be developed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people, she adds.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan queries action being taken in response to Police Scotland figures that show that more than 160 people have reported being raped in the very early stages of dating in 2018-19.

Image source, Thinkstock

A charity has raised concerns about online dating after an increase in reports of rape in Scotland.

Police Scotland figures revealed that more than 160 people in a year reported being raped on a first or second date.

Most had been talking with the perpetrator on dating apps or social media before they first met.

Image source, Getty Images

Labour MSP Jenny Marra Dundee says the Drugs Commission report showed there are more young people dying in the area than in the rest of Scotland.

The report was scathing of the NHS drug service, Ms Marra adds, asking how the number of deaths can be reduced.

The first minister welcomes the drug commission in Dundee's report and pledges to consider its recommendations.

Agencies in Dundee must show leadership in tackling the city's drug problem, the new report said.

The Dundee Drugs Commission found the system of treatment and support was fractured.

• Scotland's drug death crisis in six charts
• Scotland has the highest drug death rate in the EU
• Drug tsar appointed to tackle record death rate